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NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) recently shared news about a huge asteroid named 52768 (1998 OR2). This space rock was first spotted on July 24, 1998, by astronomers in Hawaii, and it’s been closely watched ever since because of its size and orbit.
Scientists estimate that it measures between 1.5 and 4 kilometers across, making it one of the biggest asteroids to come near Earth in recent years. The asteroid is expected to pass by Earth’s orbit in April, but there’s no real risk of it hitting us.
It will stay millions of kilometers away, which is a safe distance. Even so, close passes like this are important because they give experts a chance to study the asteroid in more detail and improve their ability to track similar objects in the future.
To better understand this asteroid, scientists have suggested several possibilities. One idea looks at how its orbit might change over a very long time. The pull of gravity from planets like Jupiter could slowly shift its path, which is why constant observation is so important.
Another idea explores what would happen if, against all odds, it ever did hit Earth. Because of its size, the impact would be devastating, releasing the same energy as millions of nuclear bombs. It could cause giant tsunamis, throw dust into the atmosphere, block sunlight, and dramatically change the climate. Some experts believe that a collision like this could lead to mass extinction, much like the asteroid event that wiped out the dinosaurs.
On the positive side, the asteroid’s close approach is a great opportunity for research. By observing 1998 OR2, scientists can learn more about what large asteroids are made of and how they behave. This information can help us prepare better defense strategies in case a dangerous object is ever found in the future.
At the same time, a 23-year-old student recently discovered 17 new planets, including one that looks a lot like Earth. These discoveries show the two exciting sides of space exploration: protecting our planet from potential dangers and searching the universe for new worlds. Both efforts help us better understand our place in the cosmos.